The best free VPN for Windows 11 PC 2025?

Free VPNs mostly use datacenter IPs, which can easily be detected and blocked by websites and services. If you want to stay under the radar, a residential VPN is a better option since it routes traffic through real home IPs. I used CometVPN, and it worked really well for me. I haven’t been detected, and the price is low. It's worth considering if you’re looking for something that will work well.

Also, keep in mind that free VPNs might not cost money, but they come with a different kind of price - your privacy. Many free VPNs log your data, inject ads, or even sell your browsing activity to third parties. If you have the possibility, I highly advise you try a paid and trusted VPN service.

In my experience, while both Hide.me and Atlas VPN have their perks, you might face some struggle with connectivity and performance during crucial moments. If your intention is smooth access to Google and OneDrive without hiccups, free options might not always deliver.

If you find the limitations of these free VPNs frustrating—especially when you’re just trying to access important sites—consider investing in a low-cost, reliable VPN service. Many of them have trials or monthly subscriptions that won’t break the bank. It can save you a lot of hassle in the long run. So, in this case, while best free VPNs for Windows 11 can get you started, a little investment might just pay off in peace of mind and better performance!

Why You Might Need a VPN for Windows 11 PC?
Especially when you're in a new country, having a reliable VPN for Windows 11 can help you access your essential sites without any restrictions. Websites like Google and OneDrive can be necessary for emails, documents, or cloud storage. Free VPNs can often do the trick, but you may run into issues with bandwidth or speed during peak times, especially with a crowd of free users.

A Quick Note on Security and Privacy:
While using free VPNs is great and all, be cautious about privacy. Always check the privacy policy of any VPN service to ensure they don’t log your data or sell it to third parties. If at any point you find that you need more features, better speeds, or stronger privacy guarantees, consider investing in a reputable paid VPN service once you're settled in.

Now, some free VPN for Windows 11 PC can be a little iffy when it comes to compatibility. Make sure the VPN plays nice with the Windows 11 interface and features. I once downloaded one that kept crashing whenever I tried to launch Microsoft Edge. It was like watching a sitcom where all the characters had forgotten their lines!

There are so many free VPN for Windows 11 out there, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially with different options flooding the market. As of 2025, here are some of the best free VPN you can consider for your Windows 11 PC, specifically to access blocked sites like Google and OneDrive:

• Hide.me
  Pros: Hide.me offers 2GB of data per month, which is enough for light browsing. It prioritizes user privacy and has a no-logs policy. You can access various servers even in the free version.
  Cons: While decent enough for simple browsing, it may not be the best if you're using data-intensive services.
• Atlas VPN
  Pros: Atlas VPN has a free version with unlimited data, albeit with access to only a couple of server locations. It's also easy to download and set up. The VPN supports various strong encryption protocols, ensuring your data security.
  Cons: The selection of server locations is limited for free users, and you may experience slower speeds.
• Microsoft's built-in VPN
  Windows 11 comes with a built-in VPN client called "Windows 11 VPN" which has a limited set of features, and also has no user-friendly interface. However, Microsoft's Azure Active Directory also supports a VPN service, called "Azure Active Directory VPN" 

When choosing a free or paid VPN, it's important to look for services that have proven track records for strong security, transparent privacy policies, and reliable performance. While no list is definitive—and many providers update their practices over time—several VPN services (often free or ultra‐low-cost options) have historically raised red flags among security experts and independent reviewers. Below are the low-rating VPNs you should avoid using.

Hola VPN. Hola has been widely criticized for its peer-to-peer approach, where user devices can be used as exit nodes. This model has raised significant security and privacy concerns, as it potentially exposes users to risks without clear control over how their bandwidth is used.

Betternet VPN : Betternet has faced criticism for its advertising model and a lack of transparency regarding its data practices. Multiple reviewers have flagged it for potentially inadequate protection of user data, as well as aggressive monetization tactics.

SuperVPN: Some reports have highlighted security vulnerabilities and potential risks (including reports of adware or even malware-like behavior) with this service. While improvements can always occur, such historical red flags suggest it’s wise to proceed with caution.

Before selecting the best VPN for Windows 11/10, please read the latest reviews and check current user feedback.

VPN is the first choice when you can't visit a site with the local ISP. A VPN establishes an encrypted connection, often referred to as a "tunnel," between your device and a VPN server. This encryption ensures that any data transmitted between you and the server is protected from prying eyes.

By routing your internet traffic through the VPN server, your real IP address (which can reveal your location and identity) is masked. Instead, websites and online services see the IP address of the VPN server. Many people use VPNs to access content that might be restricted in their region. Since the VPN server can be located in a different country, it can help bypass geo-blocks on websites and streaming services.

How Does a VPN Work?

1. You start by launching a VPN client on your device (this could be an app on your computer, smartphone, or tablet).

2. The client authenticates your credentials with the VPN server (using a username/password, certificates, or other authentication methods).

3. Once authenticated, the VPN client and server agree on an encryption protocol (such as OpenVPN, IPSec, L2TP, or WireGuard). This protocol encrypts your data, turning it into a secure, unreadable format while it’s in transit.

4. The VPN server acts as an intermediary between you and the internet. It sends your requests (e.g., accessing a website) on your behalf, and the website sees the VPN server’s IP address instead of your real IP address. The data you request is sent back to the VPN server, where it is encrypted again, transmitted securely through the tunnel, and then decrypted on your device.

5. Once the encrypted data reaches your device, your VPN client decrypts it so that you can view or interact with the content as usual. Throughout this process, your connection remains secure and private, even if you are using an unsecured public Wi-Fi network.

So VPN is a powerful tool for enhancing your online security and privacy. By choosing the best free vpn for Windows 11 in 2025, it protects your data from interception, masks your real IP address, and can help you access geographically restricted content.

I'll give you some top recommendations for the best free VPNs for Windows 11. Keep in mind that while these are great options, free VPNs typically have limitations compared to paid services.

1. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a popular free VPN that's user-friendly and provides a decent amount of free data (500MB per month). It's a great choice if you're new to VPNs, as it has an easy-to-use interface and a simple setup process. It also offers a 7-day free trial for Windows 11 users.

Pros:
Easy to set up and use
Good security features (AES-256 encryption)
Ad-free browsing

Cons:
Limited free data (500MB/month)
May slow down your internet speeds

2. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is another excellent free VPN for Windows 11 that's known for its strong focus on security and privacy. It's also great for beginners, with an intuitive interface and a simple setup process. ProtonVPN provides unlimited data, but with slower speeds.

Pros:
Unlimited data
Strong security features (AES-256 encryption)
Fast and reliable connections

Cons:
Slower speeds compared to paid plans
May have some compatibility issues with certain apps

3. Windscribe
Windscribe is a solid free VPN for Windows 11 that offers a generous 10GB of free data per month. It's also known for its strong security features, including AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. The setup process is straightforward, and the interface is easy to navigate.

Pros:
Generous free data allowance (10GB/month)
Strong security features (AES-256 encryption)
Ad-free browsing

Cons:
May have some compatibility issues with certain apps
Slower speeds compared to paid plans

4. Opera VPN
Opera VPN is a built-in VPN service that's exclusive to the Opera web browser. It's free, secure, and easy to use, with AES-256 encryption and unlimited data. The VPN is integrated directly into the browser, making it a convenient option for those who use Opera.

Pros:
Easy to use and set up
Unlimited data
Strong security features (AES-256 encryption)

Cons:
Only compatible with the Opera web browser
May have some compatibility issues with certain websites